POTTSVILLE — Two young men, both graduates of Pottsville High School, have achieved their childhood dreams.

Garrett Rhynes and Sean Ellison have been accepted into the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The pair went through a rigorous process in order to receive consideration for acceptance into the academy — massive loads of paperwork, in-depth examinations and detailed interviews with one or more Arkansas congressmen. Each individual required a nomination from one of their state’s U.S. representatives in order to be considered for admission.

“It was a lot to do, and definitely a lot to keep up with,” Ellison said. “It was a big responsibility, but you have to just stay on top of it and not let anything catch up to you.”

Each future Air Force officer recalled their experiences upon being notified of their acceptance into the academy. Rhynes said he was sleeping when he received the telephone call.

“I was sleeping in my room when my phone started ringing,” Rhynes said. “I answered it, but I couldn’t really hear anything and I thought it was a telemarketer. So I hung up.”

A few moments later, the phone began to ring again.

“After I answered it a second time, I realized that I had accidentally hung up on Congressman (Steve) Womack. He told me congratulations and that I had been selected to attend the academy. I was really excited.”

Ellison said he did not hear anything for a length of time, and he had given up hope of getting into the academy.

“My family and I had been waiting for so long to get a response,” Ellison said. “I had given up, honestly. But one day, I was in my room when they called to let me know that I had been selected. I screamed at my mom and dad to come into my room. They started crying and then I started crying, too. It was really emotional.”

Rhynes said he is ecstatic at this point.

“I don’t know how to put it,” Rhynes said. “It’s what I’ve always wanted to do since elementary school.”

Ellison said this is his dream come true.

“It has always been my dream to go to the Air Force Academy,” Ellison said. “When I was little, my dad used to joke around with me about where I would go to college. I would always respond by saying I would go to the Air Force Academy.”

Both young men will attend a six-week basic training camp before moving on to the Academy. Their first year there will consist of their general education requirements.

Although they are excited and ready to get this next phase of their lives started, they are also very aware of the difficult path awaiting them.

“Part of you is kind of sad,” Ellison said. “You are sad because you know what you are going to have to give up. You are not going to be able to share in the college experience that all of your friends are having. They will be going out to clubs and movies, and just having a good time in general, while you’ll be in your bunk or at a desk studying your butt off.”

Ellison added he would do his utmost to stay strong.

“I’m going to try and have fun up there,” Ellison said. “I’m going to try and stay focused and get my major and try to get A’s in my classes. I know that every day is going to be a battle, but I’m determined to get through.”

Rhynes said he is going to start this experience with confidence.

“It’s going to be difficult, I know that,” Rhynes said. “My goal right now is to make it through basic training and then to graduate. Everything that comes up in between, I’ll deal with then.”

Rhynes and Ellison will leave between Thursday and Friday. They are planning on spending the week adjusting to the new environment and the higher altitude.

Both young men wanted to add statements of encouragement and gratitude to all those who have supported them in their endeavors.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me through the application process,” Rhynes said. “I also want to say thank you to everyone who will continue to support me.”

“Work hard,” Ellison said. “Even if it feels like nobody is watching, because it will pay off.”